January Jobs For The Garden

Check Your Winter Protection

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check plants regularly and apply additional protection as needed.

• Use horticultural fleece to protect tender plants when frost is forecast. Secure it well and remove during milder spells.
• Add mulch around the base of plants to protect roots, improve soil structure and help retain moisture.
• Check that stakes, ties and supports are still secure after windy or wet weather.
• Group containers together in a sheltered spot to reduce exposure to cold winds. Raising pots on feet or bricks will also improve drainage and help prevent root rot.

If you’re unsure which plants need protection, our team is always happy to help.

Planting and Preparation

January is ideal for gentle preparation rather than heavy planting.

• As long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, you can plant bare-root roses and shrubs.
• Take time to spot gaps in borders and make a simple plan for spring planting.
• Our potted bulbs, including crocuses, daffodils and tulips, have already been grown through their early stages. Plant them straight into the ground or containers for colour as the weather warms. They’re currently 3 for £13.
• Check stored bulbs and tubers for rot, and make sure dahlia and canna tubers haven’t dried out completely.
• Start thinking about chitting seed potatoes over the coming weeks, ready for planting later in the season.

Maintenance and Care

These small jobs are easy to tackle on dry days and really pay off.

• Cut back collapsed perennial stems and compost them.
• Trim old hellebore leaves to show off flowers and reduce the risk of disease.
• Clear weeds and old crops from the vegetable plot, digging in compost where possible.
• Prune blackcurrants if not already done, removing around a quarter of the oldest stems.
• Prune apple and pear trees to improve shape, health and airflow.
• Clean and sharpen tools to get ahead for spring.